Self production economy - Artikel: A global sustainability perspective on 3D printing technologies

11 important questions on Self production economy - Artikel: A global sustainability perspective on 3D printing technologies

Gebler et al (2014) discuss the 3D printing technologies from a global sustainability perspective. It is considered 3D printing can benefit sustainability, but there are some challenges ahead. What limits the 3DP from sufficient impact on sustainability?

The speed and technological bottlenecks currently limit 3DP. Currently, 3DP is only suitable for low volume production, customized products and high-value products.

What is three-dimensional printing (3DP)

It is an industrial manufacturing process with the potential to reduce resource, energy demands and emissions

In the article, Gebler et al (2014) discuss the market movement. What do they mean with this concept?

The market movement refers to a change in the production process.

Customer involvement in the production process through online platforms and restructuring the supply chain to more digital and local processes.
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Gebler et al (2014) discuss there should be a paradigm shift to let 3DP work. In what?

In design thinking and training and education.

What are the economic implications of 3DP?

There are five key markets (consumer products, aerospace manufacturing, automotive production, medical components and tooling). Cost structure will change: more machinery costs, high automation and open access, supply chains become shorter

Gebler et al (2014) discuss three sustainability dimensions of 3DP. One of those is the economic dimension. Briefly elaborate how 3DP can contribute to economic sustainability.

* Shift in labour pattern
* Shorter supply chains
* Local production
* From physical goods to sharing ideas
* From buying final products to raw materials on the global market
* Less transportation

What are the environmental implications of 3DP?

Lower lifecycle energy demands of goods and emissions. It can also lower emissions of usage

Gebler et al (2014) discuss three sustainability dimensions of 3DP. One of those is environmental sustainability. Briefly elaborate how 3DP can contribute to environmental sustainability.

* Low life cycle energy
* Short process, causing Lower CO2 emission
* Lower resource input
* Reuse material
* Indirect input avoided

What are the social implications of 3DP?

Adjustment of labour structures and mostly required for pre and post-processing. Also, open-source tech can help low-income rural areas. But also negative effects like open source for design for weapons. Governmental acceptance is considered high because of shared interests and also create new business ideas

Gebler et al (2014) discuss three sustainability dimensions of 3DP. One of those is social sustainability. Briefly elaborate how 3DP can contribute to social sustainability. What is its potential downfall?

For the social implications, the government, market and social perspective are considered. How do they accept 3DP? High/low, elaborate.

The social dimension refers to a need for change in the labour structure, due to high automatization and localization.

This might cause unemployment and social insecurity in the developing countries.

Government: high due to reduce in resource intensity
Market: high due to new opportunities and reduction in costs
Social: mixed, high on the one hand due to open source apps, low on the other hand due to security threats.

Why is the contribution of 3DP not sufficient for CO2 reduction yet?

Because it is only possible for low volumes. However, IF it can produce large volumes, then it can massively contribute to CO2 reduction.

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